Oligotroph

Definition

Oligotrophs are organisms that thrive in environments with very low nutrient concentrations. These microbes have adapted to survive and grow slowly under nutrient-limited conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oligotrophic bacteria often possess high-affinity transport systems to uptake scarce nutrients effectively.
2. Many oligotrophs are part of the Proteobacteria phylum, a diverse group of gram-negative bacteria.
3. They play crucial roles in biogeochemical cycles by recycling nutrients in oligotrophic environments such as open oceans and deep subsurface soils.
4. Oligotrophic environments can include areas like alpine lakes, polar ice, and deep oceanic waters.
5. These bacteria typically exhibit slow growth rates due to the limited availability of resources.

Review Questions

• What adaptations allow oligotrophs to survive in nutrient-poor environments?
• How do oligotrophs contribute to biogeochemical cycles?
• In which types of environments are you most likely to find oligotrophic bacteria?

Related terms

Proteobacteria: A major phylum of gram-negative bacteria that includes a wide variety of pathogens.

Biogeochemical Cycles: Natural pathways through which essential elements of living matter are circulated.

Nutrient Limitation: A condition where the growth rate of an organism is restricted by the scarcity of an essential nutrient.